Symptoms

Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.

Mild traumatic brain injury

The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include:

Physical symptoms

Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes

No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Fatigue or drowsiness

Difficulty sleeping

Sleeping more than usual

Dizziness or loss of balance

Sensory symptoms

Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell

Sensitivity to light or sound

Cognitive or mental symptoms

Memory or concentration problems

Mood changes or mood swings

Feeling depressed or anxious

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as the following symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:

Physical symptoms

Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours

Persistent headache or headache that worsens

Repeated vomiting or nausea

Convulsions or seizures

Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes

Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears

Inability to awaken from sleep

Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes

Loss of coordination

Cognitive or mental symptoms

Profound confusion

Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior

Slurred speech

Coma and other disorders of consciousness

Children's symptoms

Infants and young children with brain injuries may lack the communication skills to report headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:

Change in eating or nursing habits

Persistent crying and inability to be consoled

Unusual or easy irritability

Change in ability to pay attention

Change in sleep habits

Sad or depressed mood

Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities

When to see a doctor

Always see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. Seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.

The terms "mild," "moderate" and "severe" are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.

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